Sanding out scratches on aluminum.

[vacmadman]

I have this Kirby 505 nozzle that looks like it took quite a beating. This is very common with a lot of these old Kirby's. I will start out by just sanding the deep scratches starting with 600 or 800 grit sandpaper. I will post more pictures as I go so....stay tuned.

Side note: I'm posting this for anyone who has never, done or attempted this before. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, and this is just one.

 

[human]

With a little patience and persistence, that nozzle will be a lovely thing to behold.

 

[huskyvacs]

Do you use any kind of sanding block? Or soap and water? Or just hold the paper in your hand?

 

[vacmadman]

Husky

I wet sand, and do it all by hand.

 

[lesinutah]

Suggestions

The Kirby turbo sander does really well. They sell 100-200 sanding for it on Amazon. Water sanding is effective as well.

 

[madman]

Scratches look too deep for 500 grit. They're more like gouges. I'd start with 100 - 200. Sanding disc on a drill or die grinder would make short work of it. But whatever floats your boat.

 

[vacmadman]

Floats my boat

MadMan,

Your right I may need to start out with 200 grit but I do all my sanding by hand, I'm not in a rush to get it done. Sanding by hand will take more time, but it also give me much more control. It's always worked well for me in the past, and yes "floats my boat" just fine thank you.

Jim

 

[vacuumdevil]

@vacmadman To much work get a 72x2" grander.

 

[myvacsrock]

Like James

I also do everything by hand. Removing all scratches/gouges and buffing to a factory new shine. Always comes out lovely. Takes possibly a little longer, but controlling is all in my hands

 

[vacmadman]

Wow!

Your work looks fantastic you do an outstanding job indeed! Thank you for sharing. My work is OK, but not quite up to your level from what I can see.

 

[vacmadman]

I did need to start out with 220 grit to remove the deep scratches. Pic #1 is after I wet sanded with 220 just on the badly scratched area. Then work my way up pic #2 is 400, pic#3 is 600, pic #4, is 1000, pic #5 is 1500, at that point I start sanding the hole piece. pic #6 is 2000, Pic #7 is 3000,

 

[vacmadman]

After polishing

Well it didn't turn out to bad after polishing. Could it be better?...yes, but not bad at all. Maybe some day I'll buy myself one of those big puffing and polishing motors for my shop.

 

[scudo]

I reckon if you have a bench grinder then get some buffer attachments which are relatively cheap, would take you finish up another level.

 

[brando_husky]

Sadly my hands are weak and get very cramped when I work at the metal. It's been a hard time polishing up my sanitronic 562

 

[vacmadman]

505's

My next 505 is coming along little by little bit by bit. I have two 505 completed and two waiting in the wings. I also have two more 505 emptors that need work.

 

[kirbyklekter]

They look great!

Jim, can you tell me if all your sanding is done using wet sanding method and do you ever use steel wool pads or similar? When you've worked your way up to the finer grit papers do you try to avoid rubbing the surface in the same direction too much by using circular instead to minimize scuffing etc? I know polishing will take care of some that but just curious.

I've seen some pretty deep scratches on both the headlight cover and the nozzles. I imagine it takes a lighter touch removing scratches from the thinner metal on headlight hood than the more robust floor nozzles! Billy

 

[vacmadman]

Sanding

Bill,

I do sand in one direction, and not in a circular motion. I only use steel wool now when I wash and clean the parts before sanding. I sand the light cap the same way. Pictured is the before and after of the light cap on my 508.

Jim

 

[kirbyklekter]

Jim

Wow that's amazing. After you've finished with the polishing, do you use a final product like Blue Chrome Metal Polish or other to slow down the oxidation that comes with time? Car Wax? Bill

 

[vacmadman]

Flitz

Bill,

I use Flitz polish this will protect the finish for up to 6 months.

Jim